Las Vegas Lights FC defeated New Mexico United 1-0 at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday in the Western Conference Semifinal. Khori Bennett scored the match’s lone goal in the 86th minute to shock the West’s top seed and send Las Vegas to its first Western Conference Final.
Las Vegas Lights FC Head Coach Dennis Sanchez
On his overall impressions on the match…
I have a lot of emotions. I’m proud of the guys. This was a gritty performance that showed the true character of the team, which is bend but not break. There were moments where we could have been better tonight, but credit to New Mexico. They’re a good side. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy coming in here, but we found a way to win.
On adjustments heading into the Western Conference Final…
You can see that we have the ball a lot. Especially in the first half, we were losing the ball in areas that we don’t want to lose it, which caused turnovers and transition moments. Credit to [goalkeeper] Raiko [Arozarena] and our defenders for coming up big on certain plays. We can still be more dangerous in the final third, but we also know that there are going to be limited chances in a game, and you have to take them.
On the Las Vegas fans…
We hear them, we see them, we feel them. It’s been truly special to make the playoffs and host a home playoff game. Hopefully Orange County can pull through tomorrow [against Colorado Springs Switchbacks in the other Western Conference Semifinal] so we can get another home match next weekend.
On his success in his first season with the Lights…
It takes a village. It starts from the top. Just the energy and resources that [Lights FC Owner] José [Bautista] has put into our coaching staff and to the guys. We can’t do this alone. I’m just proud of the entire club.
On Khori Bennett stepping up when needed and scoring the match-winner…
It’s the mark of a striker. We didn’t have a lot of clear chances tonight, but one moment in transition, he recognizes space and then takes his opportunity. I’m so proud of him. He’s a guy who came in with a chip on his shoulder. He came in as a trialist in preseason. He’s such a great story to become the guy who he is for our team.
On being two wins from the club’s first USL Championship title…
We’ve taken a process-oriented approach all year. We have to respect every opponent that we step on the field with. We know that there are not going to be any easy games. This was obviously a big test for us, coming into [the stadium of] the first seed. New Mexico played hard against us all season long. Every game that you grow and you suffer in certain moments, you’re building momentum as a group. I’m proud of the guys and we’ll be up for whoever we play next week.
